IT HAS been another busy year with new businesses opening up in Uttoxeter as the town’s landscape continues to change.
As the New Year fast approaches, The Advertiser has taken a look back at the new businesses that have started up and offer the town its unique shopping experience.
First to open its doors back in February, was Esther Bramley who launched eZe Rider, The Mobile Bicycle Repair Solutions to take away the hassle of having a safe, well-maintained, repaired or upgraded bike by going to the customer.
Sam Wildsmith and Sophie Taylor saw Dietpride open its doors in March to offer residents a little help with their diets by providing a tailored nutrition service at Gymand Tonic.
Later the same month, Daisy Chain opened in Carter Street as owner Clair Atherton offered the town home accessories, jewellery and chic furniture at affordable prices after just five weeks from deciding to open the store to the big day.
Changes opened in April in the Alan Dean Centre, in Carter Street, after winning the contract to provide mental health services. It is offering the town the 12 steps programme to emotional wellbeing through the user-led facility.
Also in April former policeman Mike Butters set up Winfern Training to help future drivers get through their all important theory driving test so they can then take their practical exams.
In August four friends set up Schoolcraft Educational Supplies, in Brookside Business Park, offering local schools and families all they need to release their artistic side and get some educational equipment.
Vintage Tea Emporium is now offering customers a proper cup of tea from times gone by after opening back in August in the former Inspirations coffee shop. The tea shop with a difference also offers a handicraft centre with crafts from bygone years.
Despite initial problems with the power supply Uttoxeter Services, in Derby Road, created 140 new jobs in November with a Subway and drive through Burger King and Starbucks.
Walls 4 Paws is now offering a holiday hotel for pooches since opening in Foston in October by Uttoxeter-born Sarah Wall, describing it as a home from home experience for dogs.
Later that month, DIY giant B&Q welcomed its first customers at its new store in Town Meadows Way after transforming the former Focus shop. Channel Four star George Clarke, of The Home Show and Restoration Man, officially opened the store.
Denstone Contemporary Art Gallery and Cafè saw a dream come true for owners and artists Johanna Domke-Guyot and Paul Marshall when it opened in October as a welcome addition to the area.
Tax Savvy is offering small businesses in the town help with their tax returns and accounts since opening last month in Mayfield, by Nick Bryon who is experienced in accounts preparation, selfassessment completion and filing, tax and business consulting.
Staffordshire Traditional Meats opened in Spath in November producing high quality beef, pork and lamb by using high welfare standards and fed on home produced feed by lifelong farmer Pete Allen.
Hidden Gem, in Church Street, opened in November offering a new day spa and skin clinic. It is the fulfilment of a dream by owner Kizzy Kaya, who has been a qualified beauty therapist for six years.
Newlife opened at the beginning of this month in High Street to raise funds for disabled children by selling donated goods by major retailers including men and women’s clothing, bags, footwear and accessories, at a discounted price.
Robin Caffery, of Blount’s Drive, set up RC Plumbing offering Uttoxeter a qualified plumber day or night after qualifying six years previously and is also a qualified gas fitter.
Artistic people now have a place to go after You in Mind was opened in Carter Street by Nichala Naughton, who is a classically trained sculptor, this month. It houses a cafè, arts room, a meeting room and two beauty rooms.
